US11464081B2 - Unitary heating element and heater assemblies, cartridges, and E-vapor devices including a unitary heating element - Google Patents

Unitary heating element and heater assemblies, cartridges, and E-vapor devices including a unitary heating element Download PDF

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Publication number
US11464081B2
US11464081B2 US15/135,923 US201615135923A US11464081B2 US 11464081 B2 US11464081 B2 US 11464081B2 US 201615135923 A US201615135923 A US 201615135923A US 11464081 B2 US11464081 B2 US 11464081B2
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Prior art keywords
power supply
heater assembly
heating element
lead
slot
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US20160309785A1 (en
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Arie Holtz
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Altria Client Services LLC
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Altria Client Services LLC
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Assigned to ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC reassignment ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HOLTZ, Arie
Priority to US17/466,445 priority patent/US20210400774A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/02—Details
    • H05B3/06—Heater elements structurally combined with coupling elements or holders
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
    • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F47/00—Smokers' requisites not otherwise provided for
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D53/00—Sealing or packing elements; Sealings formed by liquid or plastics material
    • B65D53/04—Discs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/10—Heating elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor
    • H05B3/12—Heating elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor characterised by the composition or nature of the conductive material
    • H05B3/14—Heating elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor characterised by the composition or nature of the conductive material the material being non-metallic
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/10—Heating elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor
    • H05B3/12—Heating elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor characterised by the composition or nature of the conductive material
    • H05B3/14—Heating elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor characterised by the composition or nature of the conductive material the material being non-metallic
    • H05B3/141—Conductive ceramics, e.g. metal oxides, metal carbides, barium titanate, ferrites, zirconia, vitrous compounds
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/10—Heating elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor
    • H05B3/16—Heating elements characterised by the composition or nature of the materials or by the arrangement of the conductor the conductor being mounted on an insulating base
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/40—Heating elements having the shape of rods or tubes
    • H05B3/42—Heating elements having the shape of rods or tubes non-flexible
    • H05B3/44—Heating elements having the shape of rods or tubes non-flexible heating conductor arranged within rods or tubes of insulating material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/013—Heaters using resistive films or coatings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/017—Manufacturing methods or apparatus for heaters
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/021—Heaters specially adapted for heating liquids
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/022—Heaters specially adapted for heating gaseous material

Definitions

  • At least some example embodiments relate generally to an electronic vaping (e-vaping or e-vapor) device.
  • Electronic vaping devices are used to vaporize a pre-vapor formulation into a vapor. These electronic vaping devices may be referred to as e-vaping devices. E-vaping devices include a heater, which vaporizes the pre-vapor formulation to produce the vapor. The e-vaping device may include several e-vaping elements including a power source, a cartridge or e-vaping tank including the heater and a reservoir capable of holding the pre-vapor formulation.
  • a power supply section for an e-vapor device includes a power supply section housing including a power supply portion and a heater assembly portion.
  • the power supply portion includes a power supply
  • the heater assembly portion includes a heating element and a support.
  • the power supply is configured to selectively supply power to the heating element.
  • the heating element includes a planar portion and first and second lead portions.
  • the planar portion includes at least one filament.
  • the first and second lead portions extend away from the planar portion.
  • the support may support the heating element in the power supply section housing.
  • the support includes a first slot and a second slot, and the first lead portion extends through the first slot, and the second lead portion extends through the second slot.
  • the power supply portion and the heater assembly portion are releasably connected.
  • the power supply portion and the heater assembly portion are releasably connected via a threading engagement.
  • the filament defines an air channel through a central area of the planar portion.
  • the filament includes stainless steel.
  • the first and second lead portions extend away from the planar portion in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the planar portion.
  • a tip of the first lea portion and a tip of the second lead portion are bent in a direction that is parallel to the planar portion.
  • the filament follows a circuitous path and defines an air channel through a central area of the planar portion.
  • a width of the filament varies along the circuitous path.
  • the width of the filament gradually increases in a direction away from the air channel.
  • the filament includes a plurality of filament portions that are substantially u-shaped, and the plurality filament portions are connected to one another at end sections of each u-shape.
  • a space between adjacent ones of the plurality of filament portions gradually increases in a direction away from the air channel.
  • a heater assembly section includes a heater assembly housing and a heating element.
  • the heating element includes a planar portion including at least one filament.
  • the heating element includes first and second lead portions extending away from the planar portion.
  • the support includes a support supporting the heating element in the heater assembly housing, the support including a first slot and a second slot, the first lead portion extending through the first slot, the second lead portion extending through the second slot.
  • the planar portion is at a first end of the heater assembly housing, and the first and second lead portions extend through the first and second slots toward a second end of the heater assembly housing.
  • the support is fixed in the heater assembly housing by at least one of a threading engagement, adhesive force and friction force.
  • the first end has a first connecting portion
  • the second end has a second connecting portion
  • the first connecting portion includes keys for a detent connection.
  • the first connecting portion includes a first threaded portion
  • the second connecting portion includes a second threaded portion
  • the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are threaded in opposite directions.
  • the support has an end surface including a through hole extending through a central area of the support.
  • the first slot and the second slot are disposed on the end surface at opposing sides of the through hole.
  • the first lead portion extends through first slot, and the second lead portion extending through the second slot.
  • the first lead portion and the second lead portion are bent in a direction that is substantially parallel to the planar portion.
  • the support includes a hollow conductive rivet extending through the through hole such that the conductive rivet is electrically connected to the second lead portion and electrically isolated from the first lead portion.
  • a cartridge includes a cartridge housing having a closed end and an open end.
  • the cartridge includes a channel structure defining an airway through the closed end and through the cartridge housing from the closed end to the open end, the channel structure defining a reservoir between the cartridge housing and the channel structure.
  • the cartridge includes a porous substrate disposed in the cartridge housing at the open end.
  • the cartridge includes a gasket disposed proximate to the open end to seal the reservoir, the gasket including at least one aperture to provide a fluid communication between the reservoir and the porous substrate.
  • the channel structure is substantially cylindrical and passes through a central area of the cartridge housing.
  • the porous substrate and the gasket are substantially disc shaped and include openings to accommodate the channel structure.
  • the porous substrate includes a ceramic material and the gasket includes one of rubber and silicon.
  • the at least one aperture is four apertures in a diamond configuration around the openings.
  • the cartridge includes a removable or breakable seal over the porous substrate.
  • the removable or breakable seal is substantially disc shaped and releasably adhered to the open end.
  • the breakable seal includes metal foil.
  • an e-vapor device includes a cartridge including a reservoir portion.
  • the e-vapor device includes a power supply section releasably connected to the cartridge.
  • the power supply section includes a power supply section housing including a power supply portion and a heater assembly portion.
  • the power supply portion including a power supply.
  • the heater assembly portion includes a heating element and a support.
  • the power supply is configured to selectively supply power to the heating element.
  • the support supports the heating element in the power supply section housing, and the support includes a first slot and a second slot.
  • the heating element includes a planar portion in fluid communication with the reservoir portion.
  • the heating element includes first and second lead portions extending away from the planar portion. The first lead portion extends through the first slot, and the second lead portion extends through the second slot.
  • the power supply section is releasably connected to the cartridge via a threading engagement.
  • an e-vapor device includes a cartridge including a reservoir portion.
  • a heater assembly section releasably connected to the cartridge, the heater assembly section including a heater assembly housing.
  • the heater assembly housing includes a heating element and a support supporting the heating element.
  • the support includes a first slot and a second slot.
  • the heating element includes a planar portion in fluid communication with the reservoir portion.
  • the heating element includes first and second lead portions extending away from the planar portion. The first lead portion extends through the first slot, and the second lead portion extends through the second slot.
  • the e-vapor device includes a power supply section releasably connected to the heater assembly section, the power supply section including a power supply, the power supply being configured to selectively supply power to the heating element.
  • FIGS. 1A-1C are perspective views of a heating element and portions of the heating element according to at least one example embodiment.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a heating element according to at least one example embodiment.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of heating elements according to at least one example embodiment
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are views of an e-vapor device including a heating element according to an example embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a heater assembly section of the e-vapor device from FIG. 4A according to at least one example embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a rendering of a cartridge of the e-vapor device from FIG. 4A according to at least one example embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a rendering of a three piece e-vapor device according to at least one example embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the e-vapor device in FIG. 7 taken along line VIII.
  • FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a heater assembly section according to at least one example embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a cartridge according to at least one example embodiment.
  • FIGS. 11A-11F illustrate elements of a heater assembly section and a cartridge according to at least one example embodiment.
  • first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.
  • spatially relative terms e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like
  • the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below.
  • the device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
  • Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region.
  • a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation takes place.
  • the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of example embodiments.
  • FIGS. 1A-1C are perspective views of a heating element and portions of the heating element according to at least one example embodiment.
  • FIG. 1A illustrates a heating element 10 for an e-vapor device.
  • the heating element 10 includes a planar portion 20 having at least one filament 50 .
  • the filament 50 may define an air channel 60 through the planar portion 20 .
  • the filament 50 defines the air channel 60 through a central area of the planar portion 20 (e.g., such that air flowing through the central area is unobstructed).
  • the air channel 60 may have a substantially circular shape.
  • the planar portion 20 (with the filament 50 ) may have a substantially flat or planar structure.
  • a portion of the filament 50 may be punched in or punched out so as to change the flat structure into a three-dimensional structure. This may allow for the heating element 10 to heat additional surface area of a porous substrate of an e-vapor device.
  • the structure of the filament 50 is described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 1B and 1C .
  • the heating element 10 may include stainless steel or alloy thereof.
  • Stainless steel e.g., stainless steel 304 or 316
  • the heating element 10 may include Nichrome (e.g., 80% nickel, 20% chromium) or other materials.
  • suitable electrically resistive materials for the heating element 10 include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and metals from the platinum group.
  • suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminum-, titanium-, zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, and stainless steel.
  • the heating element 10 may include nickel aluminides, a material with a layer of alumina on the surface, iron aluminides, and other composite materials.
  • the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated, or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required.
  • the heating element 10 may comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys, and combinations thereof.
  • the heating element 10 includes iron-chromium alloys. A higher resistivity for the heating element 10 lowers the current draw or load on the power supply or battery of an e-vapor device.
  • the heating element 10 may include a first lead portion 30 and a second lead portion 40 extending away from the planar portion 20 .
  • the first lead portion 30 and the second lead portion 40 extend away from the planar portion 20 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the planar portion 20 .
  • the planar portion 20 , the first lead portion 30 , and the second lead portion 40 are a unitary body, which allows for efficient manufacturing of the heating element 10 .
  • the heating element 10 may be initially formed as a substantially flat element before first and second lead portions 30 and 40 are bent as shown in FIG. 1A . Accordingly, the heating element 10 may be referred to as a single piece heating element.
  • a tip 31 of the first lead portion 30 and a tip 41 of the second lead portion 40 may be bent or bendable in a direction that is parallel to the planar portion 20 (this bending is explicitly shown in FIGS. 2B and 5C , for example).
  • a height H 10 of the heating element 10 may be between 6.0 mm and 10 mm, for example, 8.5 mm.
  • a width W 10 of the heating element 10 may be between 4.5 mm and 5 mm, for example, 4.72 mm.
  • a width W 20 of the first lead portion 30 and the second lead portion 40 may be between 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm, for example, 1.9 mm.
  • a length L 10 of the heating element 10 may be between 4.7 mm and 7.8 mm, for example, 7.4 mm.
  • a thickness T 10 of the planar portion 20 may be between 0.05 mm and 0.30 mm, for example, 0.10 mm. The thickness T 10 may be uniform throughout the planar portion 20 , the first lead portion 30 , and the second lead portion 40 . However, example embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the thickness of the planar portion 20 may be less than a thickness of the first lead portion 30 and the second lead portion 40 .
  • the first lead portion 30 and the second lead portion 40 may be substantially rectangular shaped and have step portions 33 and 35 at ends closest to the planar portion 20 .
  • Step portions 35 may rest on a surface of a support for the heating element 10 while step portions 33 may provide a force that allows for the heating element 10 to be push fit into the support (see support 350 in FIG. 4A , for example).
  • the first and second lead portions 30 and 40 may have one step portion or additional step portions as desired.
  • the filament 50 may follow a circuitous or sinuous path 51 to define the air channel 60 .
  • the filament 50 may follow the circuitous path 51 such that the air channel 60 is substantially circular and has a diameter d 10 between 1.2 mm and 2.0 mm, for example, 1.6 mm.
  • the filament 50 may have a diameter d 20 between 3.0 mm and 7.0 mm, for example, 4.1 mm.
  • the filament 50 may be spaced apart from other sections of the planar portion 20 except at connection points 25 and 26 .
  • the electrical connection between the first lead portion 30 and the second lead portion 40 is through the filament 50 (i.e., during operation, current must travel between lead portions 30 and 40 through filament 50 and parts of the planar portion 20 connected to the connection points 25 and 26 ).
  • the filament 50 includes a plurality of filament portions 70 that are substantially u-shaped.
  • the plurality filament portions 70 change from one to the other at end sections 80 of each u-shape.
  • a width of the filament 50 may vary along the circuitous path 51 .
  • a width W 30 may be between 0.05 mm and 0.30 mm, for example.
  • a width W 40 may be between 0.05 mm and 1.0 mm, for example 0.16 mm.
  • a width W 50 may be between 0.25 mm and 1.00 mm, for example, 0.65 mm.
  • a length L 20 of each filament portion 70 may be between 0.5 mm and 3.5 mm, for example, 2.5 mm. It should be understood that a number of filament portions 70 may vary as desired. For example, the number of filament portions 70 may be between 3 and 25.
  • Spaces 110 between adjacent ones of the plurality of filament portions 70 may gradually increase in a direction away from the air channel 60 .
  • a width W 60 of the space 110 closest to the air channel 60 may less than a width W 70 of the space 110 furthest from the air channel 60 .
  • a width W 60 and a width W 70 may be set so that a widest section of the spaces 110 at width W 70 occupies between 2° and 90°, for example, 8.3° of a 360° circle around the filament 50 (shown in FIG. 1C by angle ⁇ ).
  • the same dimensions may be set for widths W 75 and W 80 of spaces 111 between u-shaped portions of each filament portion 70 .
  • a length L 30 between an end of space 111 that is furthest from the air channel 60 and a part of the u-shaped portion furthest away from the air channel 60 may be between 0.1 mm and 0.7 mm, for example, 0.3 mm.
  • a thickness T 20 of the filament portions 70 may be between 0.05 mm and 0.30 mm, for example, 0.10 mm.
  • the filament 50 may generate a gradient of heat that is most intense near the air channel 60 and gradually dissipates in a direction away from the air channel 60 .
  • an electrochemical etching process may be used to manufacture heating element 10 with the above described dimensions.
  • the heating element 10 may be formed using a stamping process. It should also be understood that some parts of or the entire heating element 10 may be scaled up or down up 2.5 times larger than described above) depending on the desired implementation of an e-vapor device.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a heating element according to at least one example embodiment.
  • FIG. 2A is a top-view of a heating element 10 ′ before bending
  • FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the heating element 10 ′ after bending.
  • heating element 10 ′ is similar to the heating element 10 in FIGS. 1A-1C , and includes a planar portion 20 ′, a first lead portion 30 ′, a second lead portion 40 ′. However, heating element 10 ′ does not include an air channel 60 through the filament 50 ′.
  • the transition from FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B shows how the heating element 10 ′ in FIG. 2A is bent along the dotted lines to form the heating element 10 ′ in FIG. 2B with bent first and second lead portions 30 ′ and 40 ′ and bent tips 31 ′ and 41 ′. It should be appreciated that tips 31 and 41 in FIG. 1 may be bent in the same manner as shown by tips 31 ′ and 41 ′ in FIG. 2B .
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of heating elements according to at least one example embodiment.
  • FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a dual heating element according to at least one example embodiment.
  • the dual heating element 10 ′′ may include two or more heating elements (e.g., two heating elements 10 from FIG. 1 ) stacked on top of one another.
  • the heating elements 10 may be electrically connected to one another via welding, soldering, or a pressure-based connection. If a porous substrate in fluid communication with a pre-vapor formulation is placed between the two heating elements 10 , the dual heating element 10 ′′ may uniformly heat both sides of the porous substrate to create a high efficiency vapor production.
  • a pre-vapor formulation is a material or combination of materials that may be transformed into a vapor.
  • the pre-vapor formulation may be a liquid, solid, and/or gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, and/or vapor formers such as glycerine and propylene glycol.
  • FIG. 3A shows that the dual heating element 10 ′′ may be formed from two heating or more elements 10
  • the dual heating element 10 ′′ may include two or more heating elements 10 ′ from FIGS. 2A and B, or one or more heating elements 10 and one or more heating elements 10 ′ stacked in a desired configuration.
  • FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a heating element according to at least one example embodiment.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates a heating element 10 ′′′ with a filament 50 ′′′ that defines an opening 60 ′′′.
  • the heating element 10 ′′′ may have substantially the same dimensions as the heating element 10 from FIGS. 1A-1C except that the filament 50 ′′′ has filament portions 70 ′′′ that have a substantially same width and substantially rounded ends throughout the circuitous or sinuous path.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are views of an e-vapor device including a heating element according to an example embodiment.
  • FIG. 4A is a rendering of an e-vapor device 200 according to at least one example embodiment.
  • FIG. 4B is a cross section an e-vapor device 200 according to at least one example embodiment along line IVB in FIG. 4A .
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate sections of an e-vapor device 200 .
  • the e-vapor device 200 may have a mouthpiece section 210 , a cartridge 220 , a heater assembly section or heater assembly portion 225 , and a power supply section 230 .
  • the mouthpiece section 210 may fit (e.g., pressure fit, or thread fit) onto the cartridge 220 in order to allow for an adult vaper to apply a negative pressure to the mouthpiece section 210 and draw vapor from e-vapor device. It should be understood that the mouthpiece 210 may be excluded from the configuration shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B or integrated with the cartridge 220 to reduce the number of parts.
  • the cartridge 220 may include a gasket and a porous substrate (see FIG. 6 , for example). The cartridge 220 may be replaceable. The cartridge 220 is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 11B .
  • the heater assembly section 225 may include a heating element (e.g., a heating element according to FIGS. 1A-3 ).
  • the heater assembly section 225 is described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 5, and 7-9 .
  • the heater assembly section 225 and the power supply section 230 may be in a unitary housing or a power supply section housing 540 .
  • the cartridge 220 and the power supply section housing 540 may be releasably connected with keys 800 and keyways 621 that form a detent connection.
  • the detent connection may be formed by slipping the power supply section housing 540 over a reduced diameter portion 449 of the cartridge 220 to insert the keys 800 into keyways 621 and twisting the cartridge 220 , for example, in a clockwise direction to a locking position. Alternatively, the locking position may be achieved without the twisting.
  • the power supply section housing 540 and the cartridge 220 may be released by twisting the cartridge 220 , for example, in a counterclockwise direction to an unlocked position and separating the keys 800 from the keyways 621 .
  • the reduced diameter portion 449 may have a length such that the heater element 10 is flush with the porous substrate 400 upon engagement of the cartridge 220 with the heater assembly section 225 (see FIG. 8 ).
  • the power supply section 230 may be configured to selectively supply power to the heating element in the heater assembly section 225 via a battery 250 .
  • the power supply section 230 may include an indicator 235 , control electronics 240 , battery 250 , air inlet 255 , and a conductive post 820 .
  • the indicator 235 may be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) located at one end of the power supply section 230 .
  • the LED may flash different colors and/or different patterns to indicate different information about the e-vapor device 200 .
  • the LED may flash one color to indicate activation of the e-vapor device 200 and another color to indicate a battery level of the battery 250 .
  • example embodiments are not limited thereto, and the LED may be used to indicate other information through various colors and patterns of flashes.
  • the battery 250 may selectively supply power to the indicator 235 , the control electronics 240 , and the heating element 10 .
  • the battery 250 may selectively supply power under a control of the control electronics 240 .
  • the control electronics 240 may include control circuitry including a puff sensor for sensing negative pressure applied by an adult vaper. The puff sensor is operable to sense an air pressure drop in the e-vapor device 200 , which causes the control electronics 240 to initiate the application of voltage from the battery 250 to the heating element 10 .
  • the control electronics 240 initiates a puff cycle by connecting the battery 250 to the heating element 10 to heat the heating element 10 , thereby vaporizing a pre-vapor formulation in a porous substrate in contact with the heating element 10 .
  • the puff sensor Upon termination of applying negative pressure by an adult vaper, the puff sensor ceases to sense the air pressure drop and the control electronics 240 disconnects the battery 250 from the heating element 10 to end the puff cycle.
  • the control electronics 240 may be between the indicator 235 and the battery 250 within the power supply section 230 .
  • one terminal of the battery 250 is electrically connected to the conductive post 820 , which is in turn electrically connected to the second lead portion 40 of the heating element 10 (see FIG. 8 ).
  • the other terminal of the battery 250 is electrically connected to the first lead portion 30 of the heating element 10 via the control electronics 240 .
  • the power supply section 230 may include an air inlet/outlet 255 at an end of the power supply section 230 nearest to the control electronics 240 .
  • air inlet/outlet 255 As shown by the arrows in in FIG. 4B , when air is inhaled through the mouthpiece 210 , air enters the tip of the e-vapor device 200 at air inlet/outlet 255 , travels past the control electronics 240 that includes the puff sensor through the spaces provided around the puff sensor (thereby detecting a negative pressure and activating the heating element 10 ), and continues past the battery 250 . The air then goes through an opening in the axis of a conductive post 820 of the battery's 250 male connector, and straight into a conductive rivet engaged with a female connector of the cartridge 220 (see FIG. 8 ).
  • the air is then inundated with particles of pre-vapor formulation (produced by the heating of a porous substrate containing the pre-vapor formulation as a result of the activated heating element 10 ) and exits through the mouthpiece section 210 .
  • excess vapor travels through the e-vapor device 200 and may be exhausted from the air inlet/outlet 255 .
  • FIGS. 4A and 48 show one air inlet/outlet 255
  • the e-vapor device 200 may include additional air inlets/outlets at other locations on the e-vapor device, for example, at or closer to a connection between the cartridge 220 and the power supply section 230 . This may allow for air intake or exhaustion at other locations of the e-vapor device 200 .
  • the battery 250 may be a Lithium-ion battery or one of its variants (e.g., a Lithium-ion polymer battery).
  • the battery 250 may also be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, a Lithium-manganese battery, a Lithium-cobalt battery, or a fuel cell.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a heater assembly section of the e-vapor device from FIG. 4A according to at least one example embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a heater assembly section according to at least one example embodiment.
  • a heater assembly section 225 includes a heating element (e.g., the heating element 10 of FIG. 1 ), a support 350 supporting the heating element 10 , and a hollow conductive rivet 360 extending through the support 350 .
  • the conductive rivet 360 may be optional.
  • the support 350 may be fixed in the power supply section housing 540 by at least one of a threading engagement, adhesive force and friction force.
  • the support 350 and the hollow conductive rivet 360 are described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 11E, and 11F .
  • the heating element 10 , the support 350 , and the hollow conductive rivet 360 may be disposed in the power supply section housing 540 .
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a rendering of the cartridge in FIG. 4A according to at least one example embodiment.
  • the cartridge 220 includes a cartridge housing or reservoir portion 310 , a porous substrate 400 , and a gasket 420 .
  • the reservoir portion 310 may have a closed end, an open end, and a cylindrically shaped inner tube or channel structure 315 that may define an airway 600 through a central area of the reservoir portion 310 from the closed end to the open end.
  • the channel structure 315 may define a cavity or reservoir 311 between the reservoir portion 31 and the inner tube 315 .
  • the reservoir 311 may store a pre-vapor formulation.
  • the reservoir portion 310 includes a reduced diameter portion 449 that includes the keyways 621 for connection to, for example, keys 800 of the heater assembly housing (see FIG. 4A ).
  • the cartridge housing or reservoir portion 310 (described in additional detail below with reference to FIG. 11B ).
  • FIG. 6 also illustrates a removable seal 451 to seal the open end of the reservoir portion 310 .
  • the removable seal 451 may be releasably adhered to the open end of the reservoir portion 310 to prevent leakage of the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 311 .
  • the removable seal 451 may include a metal foil with an adhesive on one side. When the cartridge 220 is ready for use, the removable seal 451 may be peeled off from the reservoir portion. 310 to allow for the detent connection to heater assembly section 225 (see FIG. 4A ).
  • FIG. 7 is a rendering of a three piece e-vapor device according to at least one example embodiment. From the illustration in FIG. 7 , it should be apparent that the e-vapor device 200 ′ differs from the e-vapor device 200 in FIG. 4A at least because the heater assembly section 225 ′ is releasably connected to both the cartridge 220 and the power supply section 230 ′.
  • the releasable connections may be threading engagements, snap fit engagements via flexible tabs, other releasable connections, or combinations thereof.
  • FIG. 7 shows a same connection between heater assembly housing section 225 ′ and cartridge 220 as the connection shown in FIG. 4A (i.e., a detent connection).
  • FIG. 7 further shows that that the power supply section 230 ′ includes a male thread 810 for threading engagement with a female thread of a connecting portion 321 on a heater assembly housing 320 .
  • FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the e-vapor device in FIG. 7 taken along line VIII.
  • FIG. 8 An electrical connection of the heating element 10 to the battery 250 is described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 .
  • a bottom surface of a head portion 363 of the conductive rivet 360 is in electrical contact with a tip 41 of the second lead portion 40 while a top surface of the head portion 363 is in electrical contact with the conductive post 820 of the power supply section 230 ′.
  • the head portion 363 is spaced apart from a tip 31 of the first lead portion 30 so as to be electrically isolated from the tip 31 .
  • the tip 31 of the first lead portion 30 is electrically connected to the male thread 810 of the power supply section 230 ′ upon engagement of the heater assembly section 225 ′ and the power supply section 230 ′.
  • the connector of the power supply section 230 ′ may be a conductive male thread 810 that makes electrical contact with the tip 31 upon engagement with a female thread of the heater assembly housing 320 .
  • the tip 31 may be extended to electrically connect to the inner wall of the heater assembly housing 320 so that the first lead portion 30 is electrically connected to the heater assembly housing 320 .
  • the conductive male thread 810 of the power supply section 230 ′ may be in electrical contact with tip 31 through the inner wall 325 of the heater assembly housing 320 .
  • the puff sensor in control electronics 240 is operable to sense an air pressure drop in the e-vapor device 200 ′ to cause the control electronics 240 to initiate the application of voltage from the battery 250 to the heating element 10 via the above described electrical contacts between the conductive post 820 , the conductive rivet 360 , and the tip 41 and the electrical contacts between the tip 31 and female thread 810 .
  • the puff sensor acts as a switch that completes a closed loop circuit through the heating element 10 upon sensing the air pressure drop.
  • the heating element 10 heats vapor drawn into the filament 50 from the porous substrate 400 to form vapor, which enters the adult vaper's mouth via air channel 60 , opening 410 and airway 600 .
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate examples for other releasable connections of e-vapor device in FIG. 7 .
  • FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a heater assembly section according to at least one example embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a cartridge according to at least one example embodiment.
  • the heater assembly section 225 ′′ of FIG. 9 may be substituted for the heating assembly section 225 ′ in FIG. 7 and that the cartridge 220 ′ of FIG. 10 may be substituted for the cartridge 220 of FIG. 7 .
  • the heater assembly housing 320 ′ may include a first connecting portion 505 .
  • the first connecting portion 505 may include a male thread to provide a threading engagement with a female thread of a reservoir portion 310 ′ of a cartridge 220 ′ (see FIG. 10 ).
  • the heater assembly housing 320 ′ may include a second connecting portion 321 .
  • the second connecting portion 321 may be a female thread to provide a threading engagement with a male thread 810 of the power supply section 230 ′ in FIG. 7 .
  • the male thread of the first connecting portion 505 and the female thread of the second connecting portion 321 may be threaded in opposite directions such that the power supply section 230 ′ and the heater assembly section 225 ′′ are releasable by twisting in a first direction while the cartridge 220 and the heater assembly section 225 are releasable by twisting in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.
  • the structure of the first connecting portion 505 and the second connecting portion 321 may be altered depending on desired connections of the heater assembly housing 320 ′ to the power supply section 230 ′ and the cartridge 220 .
  • FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a cartridge 220 ′ for releasable connection with the heater assembly section 225 ′′ according to at least one example embodiment.
  • a cartridge 220 ′ includes a cartridge housing or reservoir portion 310 ′, a porous substrate 400 ′ and a gasket 420 ′.
  • the reservoir portion 310 ′ includes, for example, a female thread 447 for a threading engagement with a male thread of a first connecting portion 505 of the heater assembly housing 320 ′.
  • the cartridge 220 ′ may also include a removable plug 445 .
  • the removable plug 445 may be made of, for example, silicon, rubber, or other material capable of providing a seal at an open end of the reservoir portion 310 ′ (i.e., a seal between an inner wall of the reservoir portion 310 ′ and an outer wall of the channel structure 31 ′ 5 ).
  • the removable plug 445 may include an extension portion 456 that extends into an airway 600 ′ of a channel structure 315 ′.
  • the removable plug 445 may be held in place by, for example, a frictional force and/or an adhesive.
  • the cartridge 220 ′ Upon removal of the removable plug 445 , the cartridge 220 ′ is ready for threaded engagement with the heater assembly housing 320 ′ in FIG. 9 .
  • any combination of disclosed releasable connection and/or other releasable connections between the cartridge, the heater assembly section, and the power supply section are within the scope of example embodiments.
  • such releasable connections may be achieved with any combination of connections involving a snug-fit, detent, bayonet, clamp, and/or clasp arrangement.
  • FIGS. 11A-11F illustrate elements of a heater assembly section and a cartridge according to at least one example embodiment. The description of FIGS. 11A-11F may apply to the heater assembly sections and cartridges described with reference to FIGS. 4A-10 .
  • the heater assembly housing 320 ′ may be substantially hollow and have a substantially cylindrical shape.
  • the heater assembly housing 320 ′ may be made of, for example, a synthetic polymer or other material suitable for e-vapor devices such as solid plastic, and/or metal (e.g., stainless steel).
  • a body 525 of the heater assembly housing 320 may have a height H 20 of between 3.0 mm and 10.0 mm, for example, 6.0 mm.
  • a diameter D 30 of the heater assembly housing 320 may be between 8.5 mm and 9.5 mm, for example, 9.0 mm.
  • the diameter D 30 may be larger or smaller depending on the application.
  • diameter D 30 may be the same as the diameter D 35 of the reservoir portion or cartridge housing 310 .
  • the reservoir portion or cartridge housing 310 is a storage portion configured to store a pre-vapor formulation in a cavity 311 of the reservoir portion 310 .
  • the cavity 311 may include a pre-vapor formulation containing material (e.g., a material to draw the pre-vapor formulation via capillary action).
  • the reservoir portion 310 may have a substantially cylindrical shape and be made of, for example, a synthetic polymer or other material suitable for e-vapor devices such as, glass, ceramic, and/or metal (e.g., stainless steel).
  • the reservoir portion 310 may have a closed end, an open end, and a cylindrically shaped inner tube or channel structure 315 may define an airway 600 through a central area of the reservoir portion 310 from the closed end to the open end, and define the cavity or reservoir 311 between the reservoir portion 31 and the inner tube 315 .
  • the airway 600 may have a diameter of between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm, for example, 1.60 mm.
  • the reservoir portion 310 may have a height H 30 of between 15.0 mm and 60.0 mm, for example, 32.9 mm.
  • a reduced diameter of the reservoir portion 310 may have a diameter D 35 of between 6.5 mm and 25 mm, for example, 9.0 mm.
  • the reservoir portion 310 and the heater assembly housing 320 may have a same diameter.
  • a diameter D 37 may be between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, for example, 1.0 mm larger than the diameter D 35 .
  • the reservoir portion 310 may include at least keyways or connection points 621 . Tabs or keys 800 of the heater assembly housing 320 may be releasably engaged with the at least two connection points 490 .
  • the reservoir portion may include connecting portions 447 instead of reduced diameter portion 449 (see FIG. 10 ).
  • the reservoir portion or cartridge housing 310 includes a porous substrate 400 in fluid communication with the cavity 311 .
  • the porous substrate 400 may be substantially disc shaped and have a diameter of between 5.0 mm and 24.0 mm, for example, 8.0 mm.
  • the porous substrate 400 may have a thickness T 30 between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm, for example, 1.0 mm.
  • the porous substrate 400 may have a capacity to draw a pre-vapor formulation via capillary action as a result of the interstitial spacing between filaments of the porous substrate 400 .
  • the porous substrate 400 may be a ceramic material or other porous material capable of withstanding varying temperatures of the heating element 10 such as a ceramic, mineral fibrous material, metal (in a honeycomb or mesh structure), and glass fibers.
  • a central area of the porous substrate 400 includes an opening 410 with a diameter D 40 between 1.0 mm and 4.0 mm, for example, 2.0 mm.
  • the opening 410 may be aligned with the air channel 60 of the heating element 10 and with the airway 600 of the reservoir portion 310 .
  • the reservoir portion 310 includes a gasket 420 configured to provide the fluid communication between the porous substrate 400 and the cavity 311 .
  • the gasket 420 may include rubber or silicon, or some other material capable of preventing pre-vapor formulation in the cavity 311 from passing between the gasket 420 and walls of the reservoir portion 310 such as organic elastomers and/or inorganic elastomers.
  • the gasket 420 may have a thickness T 40 between 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm, for example, 2.0 mm.
  • the gasket 420 may have a diameter D 50 between 7.7 mm and 8.5 mm, for example, 8.1 mm.
  • a central area of the gasket 420 includes an opening 440 with a diameter D 53 between 2.6 mm and 2.8 mm, for example, 2.7 mm so that the gasket 420 fits around the airway 600 .
  • the gasket 420 is configured to provide the fluid communication between the porous substrate 400 and the cavity 311 via at least one aperture 430 disposed adjacent to the opening 440 .
  • the gasket 420 includes two or more apertures 430 (e.g., four apertures) disposed in a diamond configuration on opposing sides of the opening 440 .
  • the apertures 430 may be substantially circular in shape and have a diameter D 55 between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm, for example, 1.0 mm. However, example embodiments are not limited to the shape and size of the apertures shown in FIG. 7D and it should be understood that the apertures 430 may be of various sizes and shapes so long as the porous substrate 400 does not become oversaturated with pre-vapor formulation and leak from the e-vapor device 200 .
  • the support 350 may support the heating element 10 and be disposed in the housing 300 .
  • the support 350 may include silicon or some other material capable of withstanding varying temperatures of the heating element 10 such as organic elastomers and/or inorganic elastomers.
  • the support 350 may have a substantially cylindrical shape and a diameter D 60 between 7.7 mm and 8.5 mm, for example, 8.1 mm. It should be understood that the diameter D 60 may vary from these values so long as the support 350 provides an effective seal in the heater assembly housing 320 .
  • a central area of an end surface of the support 350 includes a through hole 450 with a diameter D 65 between 1.7 mm and 2.1 mm, for example, 1.93 mm.
  • the diameter D 65 may vary from these values so long as the support 35 provides an effective seal between an outer all of the inner tube 315 and the gasket 420 .
  • the support 350 may have a height H 40 between 3.0 mm and 8.0 mm, for example, 5.1 mm.
  • the through hole 450 may be aligned with the air channel 60 , opening 410 , and airway 600 . If the conductive rivet 360 (see FIG. 11F ) is not used, then the support 350 may include grooves along a lateral surface of the support 350 instead of the through hole 450 . Here, the grooves allow for the airflow formerly provided by the through hole 450 and electrical connection to the powers supply 250 is provided via direct connection with the tip 41 .
  • a first slot 460 and a second slot 470 may be on the end surface of the support 35 and disposed at opposing sides of the through hole 450 .
  • the first slot 460 and the second slot 470 may have a shape and size that accommodates the first lead portion 30 and the second lead portion 40 of the heating element 10 .
  • the slots 460 and 470 have substantially rectangular shapes so that the first lead portion 30 extends through first slot 460 , and the second lead portion 40 extends through the second slot 470 .
  • the first lead portion 30 and the second lead portion 40 are bent in a direction that is substantially parallel to the planar portion 20 at tips 31 and 41 . Although tip 31 is shown in FIG.
  • the tip 31 may extend to contact the inner wall 325 of the heater assembly housing 320 if desired.
  • the tip 31 may be extended to electrically connect to the inner wall 325 so that the first lead portion 30 is electrically connected to the heater assembly housing 320 .
  • the support 350 may include a thin membrane 351 in the first and second slots 460 and 470 .
  • the membrane 351 may be penetrated by the first and second lead portions 30 and 40 upon assembly and provide a seal at the penetration point.
  • a thickness of the membrane 351 may be between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm, for example, 0.3 mm.
  • the lateral surface of the support 350 may have a male thread engagement portion 530 for thread engagement with a female thread engagement of the heater assembly housing 320 .
  • the support 350 may push fit into the heater assembly housing 320 .
  • the support 350 and the reservoir portion 310 may have a bayonet connection. It should be appreciated that other connections between the support 350 and the reservoir portion 310 are within the scope of example embodiments.
  • the support 350 may include at least two recesses 480 on opposing sides of the lateral surface of the support 350 .
  • the recesses 480 may have a size, shape, and location that accommodate tabs from the power supply section 230 ′ (if, for example, the releasable connection between the power supply section 230 ′ includes an engagement of tabs on the power supply section 230 ′ with connection points in the heater assembly housing 320 ′). As shown in FIG. 11E , the recesses 480 have a substantially rectangular shape and extend from one end of the support 350 to a stop surface 485 to provide a tight fit with the tabs (see FIG. 6 for connection between heater assembly housing 320 and reservoir portion 310 ).
  • the support 350 includes a conductive rivet 360 extending through the through hole 450 .
  • the conductive rivet 360 may include metal or some other conductive material such as a brass coat with a nickel base and sliver plating.
  • the conductive rivet 360 may include a substantially cylindrical body portion 361 and a substantially circular head portion 363 at one end of the body portion 363 .
  • the body portion 361 may have a diameter D 70 between 1.77 mm and 2.17 mm, for example, 2.0 mm such that the conductive rivet 360 may push fit into the through hole 450 of the support 350 .
  • the conductive rivet 360 may be welded or soldered to a tip 41 of the second lead portion 40 .
  • the head portion 363 may have a diameter D 75 larger than diameter D 70 .
  • Diameter D 75 may be between 2.5 mm and 4.5 mm, for example, 4.0 mm.
  • the conductive rivet 360 may be substantially hollow.
  • an airway 365 may pass through a central area of conductive rivet 360 .
  • the airway 365 may have a diameter D 77 between 1.2 mm and 1.7 mm, for example, 1.6 mm.
  • a height H 50 from a top surface of the head portion 363 to an opposing end of the conductive rivet 360 may be between 4.0 mm and 7.1 mm, for example, 6.5 mm.
  • a height H 55 from an end of the conductive rivet 360 to a bottom surface of the head portion 363 may be between 3.6 mm and 6.7 mm, for example, 6.1 mm.
  • At least one example embodiment provides a unitary heating element, and heater assemblies cartridges, and e-vapor devices including a unitary heating element.
  • the structure of a unitary heating element according to at least one example embodiment allows for efficient manufacturing/assembling of an e-vapor device. Further, a unitary heating element according to at least one example embodiment does not block air flow through an air channel thereof, which provides efficient and high volume vapor production.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Resistance Heating (AREA)
  • Physical Vapour Deposition (AREA)
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